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Frequently asked Questions

Getting your medical marijuana card can be intimidating, below are some of our most frequently asked questions. If you have any further questions/comments/concerns feel free to reach out to us directly.

A qualifying patient, who has been diagnosed with one of the debilitating medical conditions will need to get a written certification from a physician (medical doctor, osteopath, naturopath, or homeopath licensed to practice in Arizona) with whom he/she has a physician-patient relationship. The written certification has to be on a form provided by the Arizona Department of Health Services (Department) within 90 days before submitting an application for a registry identification card. After obtaining the written certification from the physician, the qualifying patient can apply online for a registry identification card, after April 14, 2011.

I can't afford a qualifying patient card. Is there any way to pay less?

For a qualifying patient who is currently on the U.S. Department of Agriculture Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as food stamps), the cost of a registry identification card is reduced from $150 to $75.

What medical conditions will qualify a patient for medical marijuana in Arizona?

Cancer

Glaucoma

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

Hepatitis C

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

Crohn’s Disease

Agitation of Alzheimer’s disease

A chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition or the treatment for a chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition that causes:

Cachexia or wasting syndrome;

Severe and chronic pain;

Severe nausea;

Seizures, including those characteristic of epilepsy;

Severe or persistent muscle spasms, including those characteristic of multiple sclerosis

Who can write a medical marijuana certification for a patient?

Allopathic (MD), Osteopathic (DO), Homeopathic [MD(H) or DO(H)], and Naturopathic [NMD or ND] physicians who have a physician-patient relationship with the patient may write certifications for medical marijuana. The physician must hold a valid Arizona license. All Green Star Doctors are qualified to write medical marijuana certifications in Arizona.

Who can write a medical marijuana certification for a patient?

Allopathic (MD), Osteopathic (DO), Homeopathic [MD(H) or DO(H)], and Naturopathic [NMD or ND] physicians who have a physician-patient relationship with the patient may write certifications for medical marijuana. The physician must hold a valid Arizona license. All Green Star Doctors are qualified to write medical marijuana certifications in Arizona.

How long will it take for me to receive my Arizona medical marijuana card?

After ADHS receives a complete application, ADHS will issue a registry identification card to the patient within 10 working days.

How long will it take for me to receive my Arizona medical marijuana card?

After ADHS receives a complete application, ADHS will issue a registry identification card to the patient within 10 working days.

What happens if I lose my medical marijuana card or it is stolen?

Just as the credit cardholder must notify the issuer of the credit card if it is lost or stolen, a qualifying patient, designated caregiver, or dispensary agent whose registry identification card is lost or stolen must notify the Department. The cardholder can apply at the Department’s website for a replacement card. The cost of a replacement card is $10.

What happens if I lose my medical marijuana card or it is stolen?

Just as the credit cardholder must notify the issuer of the credit card if it is lost or stolen, a qualifying patient, designated caregiver, or dispensary agent whose registry identification card is lost or stolen must notify the Department. The cardholder can apply at the Department’s website for a replacement card. The cost of a replacement card is $10.

If I'm a qualifying patient, will you make my name available to everyone?

No, according to state law, the information that ADHS receives for the registry is confidential. It cannot be disclosed under the Arizona Open Records Law.

Can a qualifying patient drive while using medical marijuana?

No, a qualifying patient cannot drive a motor vehicle while under the influence of marijuana.

Can I grow my own marijuana?

According to state law, a qualifying patient or the qualifying patient’s caregiver may be allowed to grow marijuana only if a dispensary is not operating within twenty-five (25) miles of the qualifying patient’s home.

How much marijuana can I buy?

The amount to be dispensed would not cause the registered qualifying patient to exceed the limit on obtaining no more than two-and-one-half ounces of marijuana during any fourteen-day period.

Does the state test marijuana dispensed in this program?

ADHS will not test the marijuana, but the program requires that all marijuana dispensed has proper labeling with information about where the marijuana came from, the amount and strain, the date of manufacture, a list of chemical additives, and other information to be attached to all products sold by dispensaries, including marijuana or products containing marijuana. ADHS will also periodically inspect the dispensaries or cultivation sites to ensure the safe and proper handling of the marijuana.

If I have a past conviction for possession or use of marijuana, can I still get a medical marijuana card?

Yes, Arizona residents who have a written certification from Arizona physicians can obtain qualifying patient registry identification cards. State law requires background checks for prior “excluded felony offenses” designated caregivers and dispensary agents.

How do I make changes to my medical marijuana card?

The qualifying patient can access the change card feature from the ADHS Medical Marijuana Program website. The qualifying patient will need to enter the card number and first and last name. Qualifying patients can change the name, gender, address, cultivation status, and add, replace, or remove a caregiver from this feature. [Please note that there are specific restrictions that may apply with making these changes and your cultivation status. Please see the “Cultivation Boundary Check” for more information.] The cardholder will also need to upload an electronic copy of the cardholder’s identification and pay a $10 fee.